Man City Morning Round-Up, Thursday 29th October 2026: Rulli the Hero as City Edge Brighton on Penalties to Reach Carabao Cup Quarter-Finals

City booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Brighton, with the match finishing 2-2 after normal time and City twice coming from behind before winning 4-3 on spot-kicks (ManCity.com) (The Guardian) (ManCity.com).

Geronimo Rulli was the hero between the sticks, pulling off crucial shootout saves, while Jérémy Doku's introduction from the bench was credited with changing the tempo of the game in City's favour (Manchester Evening News) (The Guardian). Phil Foden also caught the eye with a fine display, and the Manchester Evening News noted a moment at full-time that hinted at an emerging partnership developing within the side (Manchester Evening News) (Manchester Evening News). Rayan Cherki, who played the full 90 minutes and scored his effort in the shootout, was praised as City and Enzo Maresca discovered a new side to the Frenchman (Manchester Evening News).

Enzo Maresca spoke afterwards about his goalkeeping options, addressing where Rulli's heroics leave things with Gianluigi Donnarumma, but the manager made clear he has no doubts over who his number one is (Manchester Evening News) (BBC Sport). Maresca also reflected on his much-changed XI progressing through, saying his squad are 'all ready' for the opportunity following the recent Arsenal defeat (Manchester Evening News).

Elsewhere, former City striker Carlos Tevez has opened up on the real reason behind his move from Manchester United to City (Manchester Evening News).

Looking ahead, City now know their Carabao Cup quarter-final opponents will be Bradford City (ManCity.com).

This round-up is written with the help of AI, using only the day's headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.